Prediction and Optimization of the Strengths Properties of Concrete Containing Sugarcane Bagasse Ash
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Sugarcane bagasse ash is a by-product created from the cogeneration boilers used in sugar manufacturing, generated after the economically viable sugar has been extracted from sugarcane. The disposal of this agricultural by-product raises environmental concerns within the sugar production industry. This study aims to utilize agricultural waste ash (specifically sugarcane bagasse ash) as a partial replacement for cement in producing sustainable and environmentally friendly concrete. The research evaluated the effects of sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) on concrete, with proportions of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25% based on the weight of cement. The compressive and splitting tensile strengths were assessed, along with the workability of concrete containing different SCBA percentages. Both 100 mm cubes and 100 mm x 200 mm prisms of SCBA-concrete were tested for compressive and splitting strengths at curing times of 7, 14, 28, and 56 days. The results from the slump test showed that adding SCBA decreased the workability of the fresh concrete. However, it was discovered that the strengths of SCBA-concrete increased with an increase in curing age, while decreasing when the SCBA content increases. It was noted that the percentage error between the predicted and actual values for all responses was less than 5%, suggesting a strong agreement between predicted and actual results under optimal mixing conditions. The optimal composition of 9.78 % SCBA and a curing age of 56 days yielded the optimised compressive strength of 21 MPa and a splitting tensile strength of 2.9 MPa, respectively
Institution: Ahmadu Bello University
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7219989073